The Merlet family’s journey from distilling cognacs for merchant houses to establishing their own highly esteemed brand is a story of enduring passion and evolving craftsmanship. Owning its own vineyard and distillery ensures the family’s unwavering control over every step of production, from careful wine sourcing to meticulous blending and bottling, culminating in a unique heritage of distinct quality.
The tale of Merlet begins centuries ago, rooted in the lush vineyards of the 18th-century French countryside. Initially, the family’s journey revolved around the art of winemaking, a tradition that laid the foundation for their illustrious legacy. However, it was in 1850 that Firmin Merlet, with pioneering spirit, erected his first still near Saint Sauvant, Saintonge, ushering in a new era of distillation.
Across generations, the Merlet family honed their craft, channeling their expertise into the creation of unique eaux-de-vie that honored the terroir of Saintonge. With time as their alchemist, these spirits matured gracefully in copper stills and oak barrels, evolving into the harmonious cognacs that define Merlet today.
The turn of the 20th century brought Gilles Merlet to the forefront, navigating challenging times in the cognac industry with innovative resolve. Faced with adversity, Gilles embarked on a daring experiment, planting blackcurrant amidst the vineyards—a move that would forever alter the family’s destiny. From this bold endeavor emerged the iconic Crème de Cassis de Saintonge in 1983, marking the birth of the Merlet brand and the beginning of a remarkable journey in liqueur production.
Driven by an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit, Gilles infused innovation into every facet of the distillery’s operations, introducing a diverse range of products that combined tradition with modernity. With sons Pierre and Luc joining the fold in the early 2000s, the family legacy entered a new chapter, characterized by a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Under the visionary leadership of Gilles and his sons, Merlet flourished, expanding its portfolio to include the acclaimed Brothers Blend Cognac and a plethora of liqueurs that captivated bartenders and connoisseurs alike. As Merlet liqueurs found their place on the global stage, the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation was further underscored by initiatives like the Sidecar by Merlet cocktail competition, cementing its status as a trailblazer in the world of spirits.
Today, Merlet stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and excellence, inviting enthusiasts to embark on a journey through centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.
Allied Importers USA offers a selection of their exquisite masterpieces in the U.S. market, for those who want to delve into the rich tapestry of French flavors that Merlet embodies:
VS Cognac
The Merlet VS Cognac, a harmonious blend of eaux-de-vie from Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Petite Champagne, is aged for at least two years to achieve a light, approachable character with a slightly woody and delicately fruity profile. With its straw color and a nose that captures the essence of eau-de-vie accented by subtle vanilla and pear, this cognac is perfect when enjoyed with sparkling water or soda, offering a light palate with nuances of wood.
VSOP Cognac
Aged for four years, Merlet’s VSOP Cognac is a rich blend predominantly sourced from the Fins Bois region, known for its fruitiness, with additional complexity from Petite Champagne. This cognac is ideal for savoring straight or in refined cocktails like the Horse’s Neck or Cognac Collins. It features a light brown color with an amber hue, revealing delicate fruitiness with peach notes on the nose and leading to a round, supremely fruity finish.
Trois Citrus, Triple Sec Liqueur
Trois Citrus is a modern take on traditional triple sec, created in collaboration with Tony Conigliaro. Combining bitter orange, blood orange, and lemon, this liqueur is designed for dry cocktails, bringing a complex citrus profile and a lasting, dry finish. It shines in classic cocktails like Margaritas, Sidecars, or Cosmos, presenting a clear appearance with pale silver straw tinges, bright orange zest, and pepper aromas, complemented by a rich body and a nuanced orange and custard finish.
Crème de Pêche de Vigne, Peach Liqueur
Merlet’s Crème de Pêche de Vigne liqueur celebrates the unique vineyard peach, capturing its intense and complex flavors. The meticulous process from fruit sourcing to transformation guarantees a product of the highest quality. This liqueur is a delight on the rocks, with soda water, or blended with wine or Champagne, characterized by its bright golden amber color, vibrant peach, and honey aromas, and a rich, silky body that concludes with a lasting peach finish.
If you’re curious to delve deeper into the world of Merlet and explore their extensive range of products, visit their website: https://merlet.fr/
Allied Importers USA Blog 